After getting back to Kathryn that he would in fact be able to attend and was looking forward to the concert on Wednesday, Mark rang off with her and looked up from his desk as Jeremy entered his office.
"Just checking in," said Jeremy. "How did your dinner go on Saturday?"
Mark gave a genuine smile and said, "Actually, quite well. She plays violin for the London Symphony Orchestra and I'm attending their short concert at the Barbican this Wednesday. Why don't you and Magda join me?"
"I'm sure Magda would love it, what time does it begin?" he replied.
"It starts at half six and goes for an hour. Bars are open prior and after and drinks can be brought in to the concert. We're planning on dinner after on premise, so you're welcome to stay. This week the performance is Prokofiev's Symphony No. 5," Mark said.
"As long as they have food and drinks, I'm sold. Count us in," replied Jeremy.
On Wednesday, Mark, Jeremy and Magda arrived at the Barbican with enough time for Mark to introduce his friends to Kathryn prior to the show. After she departed for the performance, the three got their drinks and took their seats.
"Mark," said Magda, "Kathryn is a delight! So easy to talk to. When Jeremy said she was a concert violinist, I must admit, I pictured someone uptight with her hair pulled back in a fierce bun. She's absolutely gorgeous and so unassuming."
Jeremy almost choked on his wine at his wife's remark, but recovered with aplomb.
Mark couldn't help but laugh out loud at Magda's description as he had thought much the same himself. "I'm glad you approve. Over dinner, you'll see just how correct you are," he said smiling.
True to the description, the concert lasted just at an hour. And although Mark could have watched for the normal duration of several hours with an intermission, it certainly was the perfect way to attend a symphony on a weeknight. He was interested to see what Jeremy and Magda thought, as they weren't typically classical music lovers. The Half Six series was really aimed at novices to the genre and they certainly fit the bill.
As they milled about afterwards with more drinks, Kathryn came and joined them. Mark bent and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek while congratulating her on a beautiful performance.
"Oh my gosh!" gushed Magda. "That was the most beautiful music I've ever heard."
"I think she cried at the third movement," ribbed Jeremy.
"I did not! It was actually the first," Magda replied with a laugh. "The emotion was almost unbearable. Slavic angst at its best."
Jeremy, Kathryn and Mark looked at Magda with both surprise and admiration at this last comment.
"I did read up on the composer prior to attending," said Magda with a sly smile.
At that moment a gentleman approached the group and gave a hug to Kathryn.
"Mark, Jeremy, Magda, this is the conductor of the beautiful music we just played, Michael Tilson Thomas," she said by way of introduction.
"I heard your comment on Prokofiev," said Michael to Magda. "Are you a fan?"
"Actually, this is my first live symphony and I think my life has changed!" she replied.
"Perfect then. You're exactly the audience we want for these shorter concerts. You heard in the introduction to the piece that it was composed in the closing moments of World War II and premiered while Russia was locked in combat with the Germans? The music certainly could have been dark, but instead I find it vibrant and optimistic. How did you feel?" he asked her.
"I found it dark and light-hearted, all at the same time," Magda enthused.
"And you Jeremy, are you also a novice to classical music?" Michael asked.
"Yes, but driving anywhere with Mark, you tend to get exposed to it," Jeremy replied with a smile.
Turning to Mark, Michael asked him, "And how did you find the performance? Was it too short for your tastes?"
"No, I actually enjoyed it very much. I won't say I'm surprised but I'll certainly make time for more live music now that I know about these weeknight performances," Mark replied.
"Perfect! I think we have some converts here then. It was very nice to meet you all and I'm so glad you could attend our show. Please join us again soon," said Michael as he turned and moved on to the next group of patrons.
Mark then suggested they head upstairs to Osteria, the Italian restaurant where they had reservations at 8:00. Upon entering, Magda noticed the stunning view of the fountains along with St. Giles Cripplegate Church and hoped they had a table at the window. While waiting at the bar, all four ordered drinks. Mark and Jeremy ordered Scotch while Kathryn and Magda had glasses of Italian red. Soon after receiving their libations, they were told the table was ready. To Magda's delight they were led to a window table.
"What a pretty venue," Magda commented.
"I'm glad you like it," said Kathryn. "I did request a table with a view and am so glad they could accommodate us."
After they all ordered, Magda asked Kathryn how she enjoyed playing the piece by Prokofiev.
"I honestly enjoy all the composers we play. I do have my favorites, but they're all so very different that it's hard to pick just one. Mark tried to pin me down to one too," she said, smiling at him as she continued, "In the piece tonight, I particularly enjoy the second movement. It's a fast, crazy and short composition and seems to be full of Prokofiev's sardonic sense of humor. The music zigs and zags capriciously, as if the orchestra is engaged in an elaborate game of cat and mouse. And then, at the end, which I think is masterful, it builds in a frighteningly gradual crescendo; the music slowly gets faster and louder."
Even though Magda had never heard the composer's music before, she felt like Kathryn had described it perfectly, saying, "That's exactly how I felt whilst listening to it. Jeremy," Magda turned to her husband, "I think we need to download some music for the house. I have a new passion!"
All three laughed at Magda's enthusiasm and Kathryn offered to help Magda pick out some lighter and shorter pieces to start her collection.
As dinner wound down, the four said their goodbyes and Mark asked Kathryn if she needed driving home.
"If you don't mind," she said. "We have a car service available, but it sometimes takes a while to arrive."
"I'd love to and it's no problem at all," replied Mark. "I didn't actually drive myself but have the car service we use at Chambers. Which is probably a good thing right now, after the amount of drinks I've enjoyed this evening."
Upon the car pulling up at the kerb of Kathryn's building, Mark asked the driver if he could wait while he walked her up to her flat. At the door, after she had found her key and unlocked it, she turned to thank Mark for another wonderful evening.
"I'm so glad you asked Magda and Jeremy to join us. They're a delightful couple and I must say I'm relieved they enjoyed the show so much. It can be hit or miss as far as who will enjoy a symphony and it seemed they both had a good time."
As Mark made to reply he was cut short when Kathryn leaned forward to kiss him goodnight. As their lips met for what he assumed would be a chaste kiss, he was surprised at the quick escalation in passion from both of them. The kiss had quickly turned into something more and left them both slightly breathless. As they pulled apart, Kathryn looked up into Mark's eyes and without conscious thought, Mark's head bent again to meet her lips. He kissed her slowly and thoroughly, enjoying the feel of her soft mouth against his. Kathryn reached up and put her arms around Mark's neck, which only served to further stoke the electricity between them.
Just then, the bell on the elevator rang and startled them both as a neighbor exited and then walked by. The older gentleman tried to give them some privacy as he passed and averted his eyes, but this was hard in the close quarters of the hallway.
Breaking apart, Kathryn took a deep breath, smiled up at him and said, "Goodnight Mark. And did I mention how much I enjoyed this evening? I think your driver is probably wondering what's taking you so bloody long."
"Goodnight Kathryn," Mark said with a lopsided grin, as he tried to regain his composure for the walk back down to the car.